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Theophylline Salts
Theophylline Salts
Pronunciation
(thee OFF i lin salts)
Brand Names
Aerolate®; Aerolate III®; Aerolate JR®; Aerolate SR®; Aminophyllin™;
Aquaphyllin®; Asmalix®; Bronkodyl®; Choledyl®; Constant-T®; Duraphyl™;
Elixophyllin®; Elixophyllin® SR; LaBID®; Phyllocontin®; Quibron®-T;
Quibron®-T/SR; Respbid®; Slo-bid™; Slo-Phyllin®; Sustaire®; Theo-24®; Theobid®;
Theochron®; Theoclear® L.A.; Theo-Dur®; Theodur-Sprinkle®; Theolair™; Theon®;
Theospan®-SR; Theovent®; Truphylline®
Therapeutic Categories
Bronchodilator; Theophylline Derivative
What is this medicine used for?
- This medicine is used to treat breathing problems. These can be seen in
asthma, COPD, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema.
- It can be used in premature infants who stop breathing.
How does it work?
- Theophylline salts relaxes lung muscles.
- It makes the airways more resistant to irritants.
- It strengthens the diaphragm.
How is it best taken?
- Take on an empty stomach. Take 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. Some
sustained-release products should not be taken with food.
- Swallow enteric-coated and sustained-release forms whole. Do not chew,
break, or crush.
- A liquid (syrup, elixir, solution) is available if you cannot swallow
pills. Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding
tube before and after medicine is given.
- Use suppository rectally.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
- If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your
regular schedule.
- Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
What are the precautions when taking this
medicine?
- Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well
with other medicines.
- Do not change the brand or make of the medicine without talking with
healthcare provider.
- Wear disease medical alert identification for lung disease.
- If you are 65 or older, you may have more side effects.
- Limit caffeine (teas, coffee, colas) and chocolate intake. Can cause
nervousness, shakiness, and rapid heartbeats.
- Tell healthcare provider if you stop smoking. Amount of medicine you take
may change.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to
tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about
rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face,
lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.
What are the common side effects of this
medicine?
- Nervousness, shakiness, and restlessness.
- Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard
candy, or chewing gum may help.
What should I monitor?
- Watch for changes in breathing. Is breathing better, worse, or about the
same?
- Check blood work. Talk with healthcare provider.
- If you have asthma, check peak flows. Talk with healthcare provider.
- Follow up with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider
immediately
- Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in
the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face,
lips, tongue, or throat.
- Very nervous, excitable, rapid heartbeats
- Severe nausea and vomiting.
- Any rash.
- No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
- Store in a tight container at room temperature.
General statements
- Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's
medicine.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
- Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements,
vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider
(doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
- Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including
over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).
Copyright © 1978-2000 Lexi-Comp Inc. All Rights Reserved
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